The Institute of Medicine's (IOM) report on the Future of Nursing, released in 2010, made recommendations on how to transform the nursing profession to meet the changing needs of the healthcare system. One of the key recommendations was to increase the proportion of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to 80% by 2020. This goal was intended to ensure that the nursing workforce is better prepared to handle the complex healthcare needs of an aging population and to work more effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
Since the release of the report, there has been significant progress in the implementation of this recommendation. Many nursing schools and organizations have made efforts to increase the number of BSN-prepared nurses, including through initiatives such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's (RWJF) "Campaign for Action." In addition, many states have implemented policies to encourage or require nurses to obtain a BSN or higher degree.
One major initiative in this area has been the "BSN in 10" campaign, which encourages nurses to complete their BSN within 10 years of receiving their initial nursing license. This effort has been supported by organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the RWJF, and has resulted in an increase in the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses.
Another important aspect of the IOM report's recommendations has been the call to increase the number of nurses with advanced degrees, such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. These advanced degrees prepare nurses to take on leadership roles, conduct research, and provide more specialized care. In response to this recommendation, many nursing schools have expanded their graduate programs and increased the number of nurses enrolling in these programs.
In addition to increasing the education and training of nurses, the IOM report also called for changes to the roles and responsibilities of nurses in the healthcare system. One key recommendation was to allow nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training, which includes expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This includes allowing APRNs to prescribe medications and perform certain procedures that were previously reserved for physicians.
Overall, the implementation of the IOM report's recommendations has led to significant progress in transforming the nursing profession to meet the changing needs of the healthcare system. While there is still work to be done, the efforts to increase the education and training of nurses, as well as expand their roles and responsibilities, have helped to ensure that the nursing workforce is better equipped to provide high-quality care to patients.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released its landmark report "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health" in 2010, offering recommendations for the role of nursing in the United States healthcare system. The report identified several key areas for improvement and called for action to be taken to address these issues.
One of the main recommendations of the IOM report was for nurses to attain higher levels of education and training. The report called for the proportion of nurses with a bachelor's degree to increase from 50% to 80% by 2020. This goal has largely been achieved, with the percentage of nurses with a bachelor's degree increasing from 50% in 2010 to over 80% in 2020.
Another key recommendation of the IOM report was for nurses to take on a more active leadership role in the healthcare system. This includes advocating for patient needs, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and taking on leadership roles within their organizations. To support this goal, many nurses have pursued advanced degrees in nursing and taken on leadership positions within their organizations.
The IOM report also called for the removal of scope of practice barriers that prevent nurses from practicing to the full extent of their education and training. In response, many states have modified their scope of practice laws to allow nurses to take on a wider range of responsibilities and functions within the healthcare system.
In addition to these recommendations, the IOM report called for the integration of nursing care into the broader healthcare system and the use of interprofessional teams to provide care. This has led to the development of new models of care, such as the primary care medical home model, which emphasizes the importance of nursing in providing comprehensive care to patients.
Overall, the implementation of the IOM report has led to significant progress in the nursing profession and has helped to position nurses as key members of the healthcare team. The continued implementation of these recommendations will help to ensure that nursing continues to play a vital role in the future of healthcare in the United States.
